UK offers voluntary return to Namibians
Brits proffer ‘dignified, compassionate’ option
Services include assistance in departure planning, facilitating travel document acquisition, covering return flight costs and providing reintegration packages of up to N$68 400 per person.
In the wake of the United Kingdom's (UK) recent implementation of a visa requirement for Namibian passport holders, the UK government has introduced voluntary return services for Namibian nationals residing in that country.
The move comes as a part of the UK's efforts to address the implications of the new regulation, which took effect on 1 August. Announced by that government on 19 July, the changes to its immigration laws aims to protect the UK's borders and ensure the legitimacy of its visitors.
Yesterday, the Namibian High Commission announced the UK’s readiness to provide voluntary return services for Namibian nationals residing in that country without legal immigration status or the right to remain.
The voluntary return service offers a “dignified and compassionate option for Namibian nationals who wish to return to their homeland voluntarily”, it said.
Services include assistance in departure planning, facilitating travel document acquisition, covering return flight costs and providing reintegration packages of up to £3 000 (N$68 400 at yesterday’s exchange rate) per person.
Putting it out there
According to High Commissioner to the UK, Linda Scott: "This is not a Namibian programme. It is a UK programme. We are simply putting it out there for those who wish to return as we do know of some enquiries of this nature".
The UK government has therefore pledged to cover the costs associated with these voluntary returns.
The voluntary return services aim to provide a supportive option for Namibian nationals amidst the new visa regulation, she added.
Affected Namibian nationals in the UK seeking more information or considering returning home are encouraged to contact the High Commission for guidance.
The move comes as a part of the UK's efforts to address the implications of the new regulation, which took effect on 1 August. Announced by that government on 19 July, the changes to its immigration laws aims to protect the UK's borders and ensure the legitimacy of its visitors.
Yesterday, the Namibian High Commission announced the UK’s readiness to provide voluntary return services for Namibian nationals residing in that country without legal immigration status or the right to remain.
The voluntary return service offers a “dignified and compassionate option for Namibian nationals who wish to return to their homeland voluntarily”, it said.
Services include assistance in departure planning, facilitating travel document acquisition, covering return flight costs and providing reintegration packages of up to £3 000 (N$68 400 at yesterday’s exchange rate) per person.
Putting it out there
According to High Commissioner to the UK, Linda Scott: "This is not a Namibian programme. It is a UK programme. We are simply putting it out there for those who wish to return as we do know of some enquiries of this nature".
The UK government has therefore pledged to cover the costs associated with these voluntary returns.
The voluntary return services aim to provide a supportive option for Namibian nationals amidst the new visa regulation, she added.
Affected Namibian nationals in the UK seeking more information or considering returning home are encouraged to contact the High Commission for guidance.
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